Handbook of Thermosetting Foams, Aerogels, and Hydrogels: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications

Abstract

Polymers, their derivatives, and composites are widely used in innumerable applications such as energy storage, architecture, biomedical field, engineering devices, aerospace, and other industries. Thus, herein we comprehensively brief the domestic as well as industrial-scale environmental impacts of thermoset resins, foams, aerogels, and hydrogels. Despite their wide array of utilities to monitor environmental pollution, some of the conventionally derived materials are sluggish and are known to contain several hazardous materials such as phosphates and glycols, which poses a threat to nature and our human respiratory tract as well. This chapter reviews the environmental applications as well as hazards caused by these polymeric matrices. In a nutshell, it highlights their impact on humans, aquatic life, and agriculture and also describes the remedial measures to overcome the chaos after its shelf lives. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.